A couple have been told they can’t build a new house on agricultural land in St Mark’s.

They claimed polytunnels on a small organic farm meant the site was a brownfield development and appealed against a decision to refuse permission.

But planning inspector Andrew Kirby said the horticultural structures didn’t qualify as previous development and there was no such term as ‘brownfield’ in the strategic plan.

He said the applicants hadn’t produced a business plan for the smallholding which would justify making an exception to planning rules.

Jason Roberts reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

The couple said they wanted to build a new house and create a small organic farm business at the former Bridge Nurseries in Braaid Road.

They argued the current house is too small and so building a new one would mean cleaning up the site and making it look better as well as bringing it back into use.

But Mr Kirby said the site was for agricultural use and building a house would go against the strategic plan.

He recommended the appeal be refused, and DoLGE Minister John Shimmin agreed, turning down the proposal.